NHS Voucher Scheme

N.H.S. Wheelchair Voucher Scheme

1st. Call Mobility are proud to be associated with our local NHS Wheelchair Service clinics.

Each NHS clinic operates it's own service, and whilst small differences occur from region to region, the wheelchair scheme allows anyone suffering from a long term mobility problem to be supplied by the NHS with a wheelchair that meets their clinical needs.

In order to access the service you should ask your doctor or therapist for a referral. If you are an existing user whose needs have changed, you can apply directly to your local Wheelchair Service.

There are 3 options open to you;

1. NHS Provision which is free at the point of delivery.

2. Voucher Scheme: a. Partnership Option. b. Independent Option

In every case the Wheelchair Service will need to be absolutely sure that any chair supplied to you meets your clinical needs.

NHS Provision.

Your mobility needs will be assessed by the Wheelchair Service, and a chair which meets your needs will be prescribed, supplied and maintained free of charge. This will normally be the cheapest chair that meets your clinical need. If you would prefer a higher quality chair, perhaps lighter, better looking, possibly for occasional sporting use, you can take advantage of the Voucher Scheme, which subsidises your purchase.

Voucher Scheme; Partnership Option

This applies to a limited range of chairs, selected by the NHS Wheelchair Service, and you can only choose from this range. You will be given a voucher to the value of the "free" wheelchair that the NHS would have supplied. You pay the additional cost (above the value of the voucher) to an agreed supplier for the chair you select from this range. The wheelchair remains the property of the Wheelchair Service and the service is responsible for repair and maintenance. Because of this, the value of the voucher does not include a maintenance element.

This option is not usually available for the purchase of Powered Chairs.

Voucher Scheme; Independent Option

For even wider choice of wheelchair, the independent option is available. Again you are given a voucher towards the cost of the chair, but there is no restriction on the design, manufacturer or value of the chair you select, provided the chair meets or exceeds your clinical needs. You pay the additional cost (above the value of the voucher) to an agreed supplier for any wheelchair you would like. For this option, the voucher will include the value of the "free" chair, and an additional amount for repair and maintenance during the expected life of the chair (usually around 5 years). You will own the chair and be responsible for its maintenance and repair.

What Happens Next?

Following the assessment, and if you decide to proceed with a Voucher, you will be issued a specification sheet for you to take to an approved supplier. Having selected your wheelchair, the Wheelchair Service must approve it as meeting your clinical needs. You will then be issued with a Voucher to hand to the approved supplier who will then invoice the Wheelchair Service for the agreed value of the Voucher and you would then pay the balance directly to the approved supplier.

A normal wheelchair treated with care should last at least 5 years. Therefore, the value of the voucher will include an additional amount to cover expected maintenance during this period. However, if at any time during this period you feel your condition has changed or the chair is no longer suitable for your needs, you can ask to be re-assessed.

Posture control and pressure relief will continue to be supplied by the Wheelchair Service and will therefore not form part of the voucher.